In many places, councils of religions or similar structures have been formed. They promote dialogue with the community and society, organize events for interfaith education and encounter, mediate in conflicts, comment on socio-political issues, and much more. To promote all of this, numerous interfaith dialogue initiatives from all over Germany joined forces in 2018 to form the Federal Congress of Councils of Religions.

The Federal Congress is united in its commitment to interfaith dialogue, because it contributes significantly to deepening mutual understanding, promoting peaceful coexistence, and overcoming prejudices and rivalries. We are committed to respectful cooperation that recognizes the independence and right to exist of the religious communities represented in the Councils of Religions. Our goal is to promote dialogue among religious and worldview communities and with society. We laid down our principles in a joint declaration in 2019.

Together with our members, we are committed to ensuring that councils of religions or comparable structures are formed throughout the country. In discussions with our partner organizations, we are committed to ensuring that local authorities promote the establishment of new councils of religions and support those that already exist in their work, so that the concerns of interfaith dialogue are heard locally in cities and counties and can also be represented at the state and federal levels.

Between the annual meetings of the Congress, the seven-headed speakership, confirmed by the delegates, represents the Federal Congress to the outside world and acts as liaison for federal politicians and cooperation partners. In addition, it ensures that the principles of the Federal Congress are upheld and that its programmatic orientation is maintained.